Whether cause and effect or coincidence, here's the lesson of the records checks, through state databases, on Samuel Joseph "Joe the Plumber" Wurzelbacher: Mouth off politically and someone may run your name through a state computer in Columbus.

The Columbus Dispatch reported Tuesday that state Job & Family Services Director Helen Jones-Kelley, a member of Democratic Gov. Ted Strickland's Cabinet, approved a check of Wurzelbacher's records. That OK came after John McCain, the Republican presidential candidate, cited Wurzelbacher affirmatively in the Oct. 15 debate McCain had with Democratic nominee Barack Obama.

Jones-Kelley told the Dispatch she approved the records check to see whether Wurzelbacher was current on any required child-support payments -- assuming he is obliged to pay child support. (Conveniently for Jones-Kelley, she said she couldn't reveal whether Wurzelbacher is in fact even subject to a child-support agreement.) She explained the records check this way: "When someone is thrust quickly into the public spotlight, we often take a look."

Jones-Kelley cited an (unnamed) lottery winner dunned, after publicity about a jackpot, for child support. But if such records checks are "often" done, why did Wurzelbacher's require personal approval from a Cabinet member? Something about her story doesn't pass the smell test.

Given her job's enormous responsibilities, it's hard to believe Jones-Kelley's approval of requests for records checks was just part of a normal day at the office -- especially since she works for an Ohio administration consumed with politics.

By the way, according to the Federal Election Commission, Jones-Kelly is a $2,500 donor to the Obama Victory Fund.

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